Lets Talk African History: Somalis. An underrated history
- Thread starter Bawon Samedi
- Start date
The more I learn the more pathetic Europeans are. Mediterrean cacs are marginally better
"Berbers" was basically all Cushytic speaking ppl who lived on the coast. Afars and others were also referred to as Berbers
Depending on which sources you read, Somalis were either good businesspeople or savages
It depends on who these travelers came into contact with: war-like pastoralists or traders. Some also do not distinguish between the Somalis and the other tribes/ethnic groups who would've lived in the same area. So if Somalis were selling war captives from enemy tribes as slaves, the Chinese would describe this as "they sell members of their own Nation"
There's also some borderline fantastical tales involved. Like our women being white (according to a 7th century Chinese text)
YoungGeeljire
Rookie
@Diasporan Royalty
During the Middle Ages, the Portuguese wanted complete control over trade in the Indian Ocean. They had attacked several port cities and set up shops on the different coasts facing the Indian Ocean, but their biggest competitor was the port city of Mogadishu, which boasted their own currency and did trade that the Portuguese couldn't get a part of.
This is a page from a book written by Portuguese sailors in the 1500s
Context before transcript : The Portuguese had just ransacked and burned down a Somali port city, Barawa/Brava, on their conquest to achieve complete domination in the Indian Ocean. Feeling superior after this attack, they headed for Mogadishu (Magadoxo).
Transcript as the original document can be hard to comprehend due to changes in letters and such :
"He then steered for Magadoxo. The people at this place made a very formidable appearance : great numbers of foot, and cuiraffiers were patrolling on the shore ; the walls of the city lined with armed men, and a confiderable body of troops drawn up before it. Coutign being afraid to land, sent one of the Bravan/Brawan captives to let the people know that the Portuguese came not to denounce war, but to offer peace. In Coutign's sight they tore to pieces the captive, and threatened to serve him in the same manner, if he could dare to come ashore. Coutign therefore returned to Cunha, to whom he ralted the cruelty and insolent menaces of the enemy. Cunha was for storming the city, but at the persuations of all his officers and pilots, he dropped this resolution. The place was almost inaccesible, strong by its natural situation, and defended by a numerous garrifon, the station of our ships extremely dangerous, and very much exposed to the enemy. Cunha therefore with all expedition failed sailed for Socotra."
This is Cunha, the man who after every single one of his officers pleaded for him not to attack Mogadishu, fearing certain defeat, heeded their advice and left sail for the island of Socotra instead.
If you have any questions, or something you'd like to know more about just ask. I'm happy to helped and clear up any misconceptions
During the Middle Ages, the Portuguese wanted complete control over trade in the Indian Ocean. They had attacked several port cities and set up shops on the different coasts facing the Indian Ocean, but their biggest competitor was the port city of Mogadishu, which boasted their own currency and did trade that the Portuguese couldn't get a part of.
This is a page from a book written by Portuguese sailors in the 1500s
Context before transcript : The Portuguese had just ransacked and burned down a Somali port city, Barawa/Brava, on their conquest to achieve complete domination in the Indian Ocean. Feeling superior after this attack, they headed for Mogadishu (Magadoxo).
Transcript as the original document can be hard to comprehend due to changes in letters and such :
"He then steered for Magadoxo. The people at this place made a very formidable appearance : great numbers of foot, and cuiraffiers were patrolling on the shore ; the walls of the city lined with armed men, and a confiderable body of troops drawn up before it. Coutign being afraid to land, sent one of the Bravan/Brawan captives to let the people know that the Portuguese came not to denounce war, but to offer peace. In Coutign's sight they tore to pieces the captive, and threatened to serve him in the same manner, if he could dare to come ashore. Coutign therefore returned to Cunha, to whom he ralted the cruelty and insolent menaces of the enemy. Cunha was for storming the city, but at the persuations of all his officers and pilots, he dropped this resolution. The place was almost inaccesible, strong by its natural situation, and defended by a numerous garrifon, the station of our ships extremely dangerous, and very much exposed to the enemy. Cunha therefore with all expedition failed sailed for Socotra."
This is Cunha, the man who after every single one of his officers pleaded for him not to attack Mogadishu, fearing certain defeat, heeded their advice and left sail for the island of Socotra instead.
If you have any questions, or something you'd like to know more about just ask. I'm happy to helped and clear up any misconceptions
@Diasporan Royalty
During the Middle Ages, the Portuguese wanted complete control over trade in the Indian Ocean. They had attacked several port cities and set up shops on the different coasts facing the Indian Ocean, but their biggest competitor was the port city of Mogadishu, which boasted their own currency and did trade that the Portuguese couldn't get a part of.
This is a page from a book written by Portuguese sailors in the 1500s
Context before transcript : The Portuguese had just ransacked and burned down a Somali port city, Barawa/Brava, on their conquest to achieve complete domination in the Indian Ocean. Feeling superior after this attack, they headed for Mogadishu (Magadoxo).
Transcript as the original document can be hard to comprehend due to changes in letters and such :
"He then steered for Magadoxo. The people at this place made a very formidable appearance : great numbers of foot, and cuiraffiers were patrolling on the shore ; the walls of the city lined with armed men, and a confiderable body of troops drawn up before it. Coutign being afraid to land, sent one of the Bravan/Brawan captives to let the people know that the Portuguese came not to denounce war, but to offer peace. In Coutign's sight they tore to pieces the captive, and threatened to serve him in the same manner, if he could dare to come ashore. Coutign therefore returned to Cunha, to whom he ralted the cruelty and insolent menaces of the enemy. Cunha was for storming the city, but at the persuations of all his officers and pilots, he dropped this resolution. The place was almost inaccesible, strong by its natural situation, and defended by a numerous garrifon, the station of our ships extremely dangerous, and very much exposed to the enemy. Cunha therefore with all expedition failed sailed for Socotra."
This is Cunha, the man who after every single one of his officers pleaded for him not to attack Mogadishu, fearing certain defeat, heeded their advice and left sail for the island of Socotra instead.
If you have any questions, or something you'd like to know more about just ask. I'm happy to helped and clear up any misconceptions
Welcome aboard sxb
Feel free to contribute as much as you can in this thread.
YoungGeeljire
Rookie
Somalis and Yemenis have had mostly close relations throughout history. Though this pertains to mostly some northern clans aswell as Yemenis who travelled to Mogadishu and settled there.
This "friendship" is before they backstabbed us in 77 to help the Ethiopians so for all I care they're worthless
Somalis used to have a large population in Aden though
Somalis and Yemenis have had mostly close relations throughout history. Though this pertains to mostly some northern clans aswell as Yemenis who travelled to Mogadishu and settled there.
This "friendship" is before they backstabbed us in 77 to help the Ethiopians so for all I care they're worthless
Somalis used to have a large population in Aden though
My father and grandparents lived in Aden. Somali-Adenis are called "reer Cadmeed". We have a long history in that city.
@YoungGeeljire welcome.
The Portuguese also ransacked and destroyed many of the Swahili towns south of Somalia. The Portuguese compared to other Europeans were among the WORST when it came to destroying many African cultures/states. This is why I have zero sympathy for their economy tanking.
Yeah I have some good one.
@Diasporan Royalty
During the Middle Ages, the Portuguese wanted complete control over trade in the Indian Ocean. They had attacked several port cities and set up shops on the different coasts facing the Indian Ocean, but their biggest competitor was the port city of Mogadishu, which boasted their own currency and did trade that the Portuguese couldn't get a part of.
This is a page from a book written by Portuguese sailors in the 1500s
Context before transcript : The Portuguese had just ransacked and burned down a Somali port city, Barawa/Brava, on their conquest to achieve complete domination in the Indian Ocean. Feeling superior after this attack, they headed for Mogadishu (Magadoxo).
The Portuguese also ransacked and destroyed many of the Swahili towns south of Somalia. The Portuguese compared to other Europeans were among the WORST when it came to destroying many African cultures/states. This is why I have zero sympathy for their economy tanking.
Like I said I heard Mogadishu was VERY powerful militarily. Trying to find more sources on Mogadishu military power.Transcript as the original document can be hard to comprehend due to changes in letters and such :
"He then steered for Magadoxo. The people at this place made a very formidable appearance : great numbers of foot, and cuiraffiers were patrolling on the shore ; the walls of the city lined with armed men, and a confiderable body of troops drawn up before it. Coutign being afraid to land, sent one of the Bravan/Brawan captives to let the people know that the Portuguese came not to denounce war, but to offer peace. In Coutign's sight they tore to pieces the captive, and threatened to serve him in the same manner, if he could dare to come ashore. Coutign therefore returned to Cunha, to whom he ralted the cruelty and insolent menaces of the enemy. Cunha was for storming the city, but at the persuations of all his officers and pilots, he dropped this resolution. The place was almost inaccesible, strong by its natural situation, and defended by a numerous garrifon, the station of our ships extremely dangerous, and very much exposed to the enemy. Cunha therefore with all expedition failed sailed for Socotra."
This is Cunha, the man who after every single one of his officers pleaded for him not to attack Mogadishu, fearing certain defeat, heeded their advice and left sail for the island of Socotra instead.
If you have any questions, or something you'd like to know more about just ask. I'm happy to helped and clear up any misconceptions
Yeah I have some good one.
- Since we know the Maldives had a Somali ruler. How long did Somali rule last? Did Somali influence have long time effect on the island? Why did Somalis colonize it?
- Were there other islands that Somalis colonized?
- Did Somalis trade with the Swahili states south of them often?
Somalis seemed like they were everywhere.Somalis and Yemenis have had mostly close relations throughout history. Though this pertains to mostly some northern clans aswell as Yemenis who travelled to Mogadishu and settled there.
This "friendship" is before they backstabbed us in 77 to help the Ethiopians so for all I care they're worthless
Somalis used to have a large population in Aden though
Da Gama's First Voyage pg.88
YoungGeeljire
Rookie
1. I'm not really sure. Apart from Ibn Battuta account of the Sultan, Abd al Aziz alMakdachaouy (meaning from Mogadishu).@YoungGeeljire welcome.
The Portuguese also ransacked and destroyed many of the Swahili towns south of Somalia. The Portuguese compared to other Europeans were among the WORST when it came to destroying many African cultures/states. This is why I have zero sympathy for their economy tanking.
Like I said I heard Mogadishu was VERY powerful militarily. Trying to find more sources on Mogadishu military power.
Yeah I have some good one.
- Since we know the Maldives had a Somali ruler. How long did Somali rule last? Did Somali influence have long time effect on the island? Why did Somalis colonize it?
- Were there other islands that Somalis colonized?
- Did Somalis trade with the Swahili states south of them often?
(Which you've already showed I know)
Ibn Battuta's visit to the Maldives was in the 1340s I believe. We would later lose the island to the Portuguese.
2. Sofala is said to have been founded as a gold colony by Somali sailors.
But there's not a lot of other historical documents about it.
Considering we ruled at least two different far off islands, it would have been cool if we had control over some other notable ones, like Zanzibar, Madagascar, Socotra etc.
3.
